Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially in runners. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. This condition often results from overuse, wearing improper footwear, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest, and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. The heel may feel stiff, sore, or even swollen. Runners can reduce symptoms by wearing supportive running shoes with good arch support and cushioning, warming up properly, and doing regular calf and plantar fascia stretches. Cross-training with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness while reducing stress on the foot. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and offer treatment, such as custom orthotics, targeted exercises, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and advanced therapies, if needed. If plantar fasciitis is affecting your running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Philip Hahn, DPM  from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force or overuse rather than a single traumatic event. These injuries commonly occur in athletes or individuals who engage in activities with repetitive impact, such as running or dancing. Symptoms often include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes mild bruising. Risk factors include suddenly increasing physical activity, wearing improper footwear, low bone density, and certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis. Stress fractures frequently affect the metatarsal bones in the foot, especially during repetitive motion. If left untreated, these fractures can worsen and lead to more severe injury. If you think you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Although gout is more common in adults, children and teenagers can develop it, especially if they have certain medical conditions or a family history. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form painful crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe, and can produce excruciating pain. In younger individuals, it may be linked to kidney problems, obesity, or inherited disorders. Symptoms include joint pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe. Avoiding gout in children and teens involves maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet that limits high-purine foods such as red meat and sugary drinks. If your child has pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose gout, and offer relief and treatment solutions for this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fungal infections of the toenails can cause thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail. While oral medications are sometimes used, many cases can be managed with topical or device-based treatments. Antifungal creams, gels, or medicated nail lacquers are applied directly to the nail and surrounding skin. These treatments work best when used consistently and in the early stages of infection. In addition to topical solutions, device-based options like laser therapy are becoming more common. Lasers target the fungus beneath the nail without damaging surrounding tissue, and are typically done in a podiatrist’s office. Another approach involves mechanical thinning or filing of the nail to help treatments penetrate deeper. Results can take several months, as toenails grow slowly. If you have a stubborn or worsening toenail infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.